12 family-friendly things you need to do in Hawaii

From parks to zoos to aquariums and water parks, these activities will entertain the whole family.

By Derek Paiva Aug 27, 2013

If you're looking for activites that will be fun for the entire ohana (family), think about packing up a picnic or takeout lunch and joining the locals at our favorite parks or maybe head to the Waikiki Aquarium and see all sorts of underwater life.

Kapiolani Park

Lots of room to spread out under the trees or on the great lawn, right at the foot of Diamond Head Crater. 3840 Paki Ave., Honolulu, Oahu.

Baldwin Beach Park

Keopualani Park

Kahului and Wailuku residents converge on the huge 110-acre city park on weekends for kids soccer and adult softball games, picnics, exploring and to use its gym, pool and skate park. Keopuolani Pkwy., Kahului, Maui.

Waikiki Aquarium

Maui Ocean Center

Four words: Sleep with the Sharks. Relax, it’s just a way cool sleepover exploring what the center’s collection of marine life (including sharks) is up to nocturnally. 192 Maalaea Road, Maalaea, Maui.

Take it easy at this artificial beach and wavepool at Wet N Wild Hawaii.Photo: Flickr/Smart Destinations

Wet N Wild Hawaii

More than 25 amusement-park-style water rides, with everything from tranquil playground coves for keiki, to surfing simulators and raging tube slides for teenage adrenaline junkies. 400 Farrington Highway, Kapolei, Oahu.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo

Entry is free. It’s the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the U.S. And at 3:30 p.m. each day, kids get to watch up close as the zoo's two Bengal tigers, Tsatziki and Sriracha, chomp on their whole chicken dinner. 800 Stainback Highway, Hilo, Big Island.